Tantrums and entertainment

So our little ones are at that age now where they want everything and can't have everything so it's temper tantrum central. The worst is when she wants out of the pram but we're somewhere really busy, or even worst at the super market - she just wants to be walking all the time. I feel like such a crap parents saying no all the time. I do try to explain why I'm saying no, but I'm just worried she's bored.

What things do you do to entertain your little ones in the house. I'm off work now for a week and we've got lots planned but I'm concerned we won't be able to do them if she won't play ball, so I'm sort of dreading it. Is thus normal? Any tips on dealing with tantrums and entertaining them??

Comments (6)

I’ve learned from recent bad experience not to make too many plans. We’ve been disappointed a couple of times by having to come home early. LO (little one) seems to be going through a major frightened-of-everything phase and it’s impossible to know what will set him off.

When we’re out food is my go to though. Especially something like a whole apple that will keep both his hands and mouth busy! And endless talking, I can often distract him from something he can’t have by pointing out something else. It’s such hard work though.

Yeah it's difficult, I try to read books to her and she'll pull it off me and shout "no!" Because she wants to read it by herself, but still wants me to stay right there with her.

She's not a fan of toys unless they do something, like move around etc so ones that she does find interesting is the vtech Chase me Casey & the Tomy sort and pop spinning UFO (She's starting to enjoy putting the shapes into their matching place and then pushing down, then I say "1,2,3 let go!" & she lets go and it spins and the shapes all pop out, so she finds that fun). Also have a musical drum that she likes to dance to and taps on but she'll be bored of that after about 2 minutes of it..

My lo likes to be outdoors so if the weather is nice and were at home she'll play in the garden, I'll fill up the watering can and she'll stick her hands in feeling the water, sometimes fill up the paddling pool and put in some water-friendly toys so she can play and splash about. Usually if weather is good we'd try to out to the park.

The most engaging things to do indoors I think are the creative/messy play ones... drawing, painting, d.i.y sensory play such as putting glitter and water in a bottle (can add anything else sensory)... get 2 bowls and a scoop spoon- 1 bowl with rice (or any other dry foods, lentils/pasta..) and the other bowl empty and they can scoop rice from one bowl to the other, or just feel and play with their hands.

We're pretty lucky, Charlie's not really a tantrum thrower! He squeals quite loudly if I stop him doing what he wants but 9 times out of 10 it's the one squeal then he's done.

I generally follow his lead, he's pretty independent play wise. I try to take him to a park a few times a week, trying to build up to daily, but it's been so wet lately! I'm pregnant so I use the park as an opportunity for a walk too.

If we're outside at home, it's all about balls, and a little bit with the little play ground we bought him for his birthday. Inside, I make sure I read to him every day and we've been playing with blocks. He's become obsessed with the Wiggles lately do we generally watch a bit of that each day too. He's learned how to tell me that's what he wants, and so far hasn't been a problem. Could be interesting when I have to say no though!

Can you let her walk to the supermarket? We go to a small local supermarket, and he walks there and back, but always has to go in the pram for the actual shopping bit, and that has worked for us - so far. Fingers crossed.

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